Method and apparatus for use with a group of bales

ABSTRACT

An improved method and apparatus is used with a group of bales. The group of bales is gripped with a bale handling apparatus. A flexible strip is positioned around the group of bales. The group of bales is then moved while the group of bales is gripped by the bale handling apparatus and while the flexible strip extends around the group of bales. The flexible strip is positioned relative to the group of bales by a positioning member which is connected with the bale handling apparatus.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/422,550 filed Apr. 13, 2009 by Kenneth Kuhns and entitled “Method AndApparatus For Use With A Group of Bales.” The benefit of the earlierfiling date of the aforementioned application Ser. No. 12/422,550 ishereby claimed. The disclosure in the aforementioned application Ser.No. 12/422,550 is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by thisreference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and improved method and apparatusfor use with a group of bales.

After a crop stock has been cut, the crop stock is collected and formedinto bales to facilitate subsequent handling. The crop stock may be hay,alfalfa, oats, straw, soybeans, or other crops. An apparatus for use informing a group of bales of a crop stock is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.7,275,904. Of course, a group of bales may be formed in a manner otherthan by using the apparatus disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and improved method and apparatusfor use with a group of bales. The group of bales is gripped with a balehandling apparatus. A flexible strip is positioned around the group ofbales. The group of bales is moved while it is gripped by the balehandling apparatus and while the flexible strip extends around the groupof bales.

To position the flexible strip around the group of bales, a positioningmember may advantageously be moved relative to the bale handlingapparatus while the positioning member is in engagement with theflexible strip and while the bale handling apparatus is in engagementwith the group of bales. The flexible strip may be formed into a closedloop which extends around the group of bales by interconnecting portionsof the flexible strip.

The present invention has a plurality of different features. Thesefeatures may be utilized in combination with each other in the mannerdisclosed herein. Alternatively, the features may be used separatelyand/or in combination with features of known devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present invention will becomemore apparent upon a consideration of the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial illustration depicting a relationship ofan apparatus constructed and operated in accordance with the presentinvention to a group of bales prior to positioning of a portion of aflexible strip in an initial position relative to a bale handlingapparatus;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic illustration, of a portionof the apparatus of FIG. 1, depicting the manner in which a portion ofthe flexible strip is engaged by a slack take-up device as the flexiblestrip is moved toward the initial position relative to the bale handlingapparatus;

FIG. 3 is a schematic pictorial illustration, generally similar to FIG.1, illustrating the relationship of a flexible strip positioningapparatus relative to the bale handling apparatus when a portion of theflexible strip has been moved to the initial position relative to thebale handling apparatus and prior to engagement of the bale handlingapparatus with the group of bales;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration, generally similar to FIGS. 1 and 3,depicting the bale handling apparatus in engagement with the group ofbales;

FIG. 5 is a schematic top plan view, taken generally along the line 5-5of FIG. 4, illustrating the bale handling apparatus after it has grippedthe group of bales;

FIG. 6 is a schematic top plan view, generally similar to FIG. 5,illustrating the flexible strip positioning apparatus in a position inwhich the flexible strip has been positioned along one side of the groupof bales by movement of a support member or arm from the positionillustrated in FIG. 5 to the position illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a schematic top plan view, generally similar to FIGS. 5 and 6,illustrating the positioning member in a position in which the flexiblestrip has been positioned along another side the group of bales;

FIG. 8 is a schematic top plan view, generally similar to FIGS. 5-7,illustrating the support member after the flexible strip has beenpositioned along another side of the group of bales and after theflexible strip has formed a closed loop around the group of bales;

FIG. 9 is a schematic top plan view, similar to FIGS. 5-8, depicting themanner in which the bale handling apparatus and a group of bales aremoved by a vehicle with the flexible strip extending around the group ofbales;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration, similar to FIG. 1, depicting themanner in which the flexible strip forms a closed loop which extendsaround a group of bales, the bale handling apparatus having beendisengaged from the group of bales; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic pictorial illustration of a second embodiment ofthe invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

General Description

An apparatus 20 (FIGS. 1-4), constructed and operated in accordance withthe present invention, is utilized with a group 22 of bales 24 of a cropstock which may be hay, alfalfa, oats, straw, soybeans, or other crops.The group 22 of bales is formed in a field by the use of a baleaccumulator having a construction generally similar to the constructiondisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,275,904. Of course, a group 22 of bales maybe formed in a different manner. For example, the bales may bepositioned in the group 22 one at a time. Alternatively, a baleaccumulator having the construction similar to the constructiondisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,053,064 or 4,051,964 may be utilized toform the group 22 of bales.

Each of the bales 24 is formed of a compressed crop stock and has arectangular configuration. However, each bale 24 may have a differentconfiguration if desired. One or more flexible strips, such as bindertwine, wires, and/or bands, extend around each bale 24 to maintain therectangular configuration of the bale of compressed crop stock. Thebales 24 may be formed using any one of many known balers.

The illustrated group 22 of bales includes fifteen rectangular bales 24.However, a greater or lesser number of bales 24 may be provided in thegroup 22. For example, the group 22 of bales may include between eightand eighteen bales. However, it should be understood that the group 22may consist of any desired number of bales.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the group 22 of bales has apolygonal configuration, specifically, a rectangular configuration.However, it is contemplated that the group 22 of bales may have adifferent configuration if desired. For example, the group 22 of balesmay have a generally hexagonal configuration, or a generally triangularconfiguration, or a generally circular configuration.

When a group 22 of bales is to be handled with the apparatus 20, asupport member or arm 30 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction (asviewed in FIG. 1) relative to a bale handling apparatus 34 while thebale handling apparatus is supported above a field by a vehicle. Thevehicle may be a tractor having a boom which is connected with the balehandling apparatus 34.

A needle or positioning member 36 is pivotally mounted on a radiallyouter end portion of the support member or arm 30. The support member orarm 30 is pivotally mounted on the bale handling apparatus 34.Counterclockwise pivotal movement of the support member or arm 30 movesthe needle or positioning member 36 connected with a flexible strip 38away from a connector apparatus 42. One end, that is, a free end, of theflexible strip 38 is gripped by the connector apparatus 42. The oppositeend of the flexible strip 38 is disposed on a supply spool or bobbin ina source 46 of the flexible strip.

The flexible strip 38 extends from the source 46 along the support armor member 30 to the needle or positioning member 36. The needle orpositioning member 36 is pivotally mounted on a radially outer endportion of the arm 30. The flexible strip 38 extends through an openingin an outer end portion of the needle or positioning member 36 to theconnector apparatus 42. As was previously mentioned, one end of theflexible strip 38 is held by the connector apparatus 42.

The flexible strip 38, in one embodiment of the invention, is a stringor twine, such as binder twine. However, the flexible strip 38 may be arope, cord, or wire. Alternatively, the flexible strip 38 may be formedas a strap or band. The flexible strip 38 may be formed of a syntheticand/or natural material.

While the group 22 of bales is disposed in a field and while theapparatus 20 is spaced from the group of bales, in the mannerillustrated schematically in FIG. 1, a flexible strip positioningapparatus 50 is operated to position a length of the flexible strip 38along a rear portion or end section 54 of a frame 56 of the balehandling apparatus 34. To accomplish this, the support member or arm 30of the flexible strip positioning apparatus 50 is pivoted, in acounterclockwise direction, from the position shown in FIG. 1, throughthe position shown in FIG. 2, to the position shown in FIG. 3. The balehandling apparatus 34 may be connected with a suitable vehicle (notshown in FIGS. 1-4) to support the bale handling apparatus above thefield and to move the bale handling apparatus relative to the field.

As the arm 30 is pivoted, the arm 30 moves counterclockwise (as viewedin FIG. 1) from a position in which it extends over a right rear cornerportion 60 of the bale handling apparatus 34. As the arm 30 continues topivot, it moves through a position in which the arm 30 extends over aright front corner portion 62 of the bale handling apparatus 34. Theflexible strip or string 38 is pulled from the source 46 as the needleor positioning member 36 moves away from the source toward the rightfront corner portion 62. As this occurs, the free end of the flexiblestrip 38 is held by the connector apparatus 42. The flexible strip 38slides through an opening in the end portion of the needle orpositioning member 36 and is tensioned as the support arm 30 pivotsrelative to the bale handling apparatus 34.

Continued counterclockwise (as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2) pivotal movementof the support arm 30 moves the positioning member 36 to a locationadjacent to a left (as viewed in FIG. 1) front corner portion 64 of theframe 56 of the bale handling apparatus 34. As the support arm 30continues to pivot in a counterclockwise direction relative to the balehandling apparatus 34, the needle or positioning member 36 (FIG. 2)moves past the left front corner portion 64 toward a left (as viewed inFIG. 1) rear corner portion 66 of the bale handling apparatus frame 56.As this occurs, the needle or positioning member 36 moves toward thesource 46 of the flexible strip 38 and slack is formed in the flexiblestrip.

A slack take-up device 72 is mounted on the bale handling apparatus 34and takes-up the slack which forms in the flexible strip 38 as theneedle or positioning member 36 moves toward the left rear cornerportion 66 of the frame 56 and toward the source 46 of the flexiblestrip 38. The slack take-up device 72 includes an arm 74 (FIGS. 1 and 2)which is mounted on the frame 56. A hook 76 (FIG. 2) extends downwardfrom the arm 74 into the path of movement of a portion of the flexiblestrip 38 which extends along the arm 30 of the positioning apparatus 50.As the support arm 30 of the flexible strip positioning apparatus 50continues to move in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIGS. 1and 2), the portion of the flexible strip 38 which extends along theupper side of the support arm 30 moves into engagement with the hook 76(FIG. 2).

As the support arm 30 of the flexible strip positioning apparatus 50continues to pivot in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG.2), the support arm 30 moves away from the left front corner portion 64and the hook 76 on the arm 74 of the slack take-up device 72. As thisoccurs, the positioning member 36 moves toward the source 46 of theflexible strip 38 and slack is formed in the flexible strip. This slackis taken up by engagement of the flexible strip 38 with the hook 76.Thus, slack formed in the flexible strip 38 as the positioning member orneedle 36 moves toward the source 46 of the flexible strip is supportedby the hook 76 and does not become tangled in the bale handlingapparatus 34.

Once a length of the flexible strip 38 has been positioned along therear end section 54 of the frame 56, rotation of the support arm 30 inthe flexible strip positioning apparatus 50 is interrupted with thepositioning member 36 in the position illustrated in FIG. 3. At thistime, the free end of the flexible strip or string 38 is held by theconnector apparatus 42. The flexible strip 38 extends leftward (asviewed in FIG. 3) from the connector apparatus 42 to an opening in theend portion of the needle or positioning member 36. This results in theflexible strip 38 being tensioned and extending across the rear endsection 54 of the frame 56. At this time, the length of the flexiblestrip 38 which extends from the connector apparatus 42 to thepositioning member 36 is slightly offset from the rear end section 54 ofthe frame 56 toward a front end portion 82 of the frame 56.

Once a length of the flexible strip or string 38 has been positionedalong the rear end section 54 of the bale handling apparatus 34, thebale handling apparatus 34 is moved from a position spaced from thegroup 22 of bales 24, that is, from the position illustrated in FIGS. 1and 3, to a position in which the bale handling apparatus 34 is disposedin engagement with the group 22 of bales, in the manner illustratedschematically in FIG. 4. As this occurs, the bale handling apparatus 34is supported above the field and moved rightward (as viewed in FIG. 1)by a vehicle toward the group 22 of bales with the front end portion 82leading and the rear end section 54 trailing. As the bale handlingapparatus 34 approaches the stationary group 22 of bales, a side section86 of a bale handling apparatus 34 is aligned with and slides along theright (as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 3) side of the group 22 of bales. Atthis time, a main or base portion 88 of the frame 56 is disposedslightly above an upper side of the group 22 of bales.

Continued movement of the bale handling apparatus 34 by the vehicle in adirection toward the group 22 of bales moves the rear end section 54 ofthe frame 56 toward the left (as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 3) end of thegroup 22 of bales. As this occurs, the length of the flexible strip 38disposed adjacent to and slightly ahead of the rear end section 54 movesinto engagement with the left (as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 3) side of thegroup 22 of bales. Continued forward movement of the bale handlingapparatus 34 presses the rear end section 54 of the frame 56 against theside of the group of bales. When this occurs, the base 88 of the balehandling apparatus 34 is lowered to rest on the top of the group 22 ofbales (FIG. 4). At this time, the group 22 of bales is disposed in afield and supports the bale handling apparatus 34 at a level above thefield.

Once the bale handling apparatus 34 has been positioned on top of thegroup of bales 22, the bale handling apparatus is operated to grip thegroup 22 of bales. Although the bale handling apparatus 34 may use anyone of many different known devices to grip a group 22 of bales, in theillustrated embodiment of the bale handling apparatus, hooks 92 areprovided to grip the bales 24. The hooks 92 are fixedly connected torocker shafts 94 (FIG. 2) which extend between opposite sides of theframe 56.

The rocker shafts 94 are rotatable relative to the frame 56. A driveshaft 100 is connected with the rocker shafts and is movable in aforward direction toward the front end portion 82 of the frame to pivotthe hooks 92 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 2). As thishappens, pointed end portions of the hooks 92 move downward into thebales 24. The drive shaft 100 is connected with a piston and cylindertype motor (not shown) which is operable to move the drive shaft 100axially relative to the frame 56. Once the hooks 92 have been pivotedinto engagement with the bales 24, the bales are firmly gripped and heldagainst movement relative to each other and relative to the balehandling apparatus 34.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the bale handlingapparatus 34 grips the group 22 of bales by penetrating the bales 24with hooks 82. However, the group 22 of bales may be gripped with aclamping action if desired. If this is done, the bale handling apparatus34 may include a bale gripper which has a construction similar to theconstruction disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,346 and/or theconstruction disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,302. Of course, othertypes of bale grippers may be utilized if desired.

While the bale handling apparatus 34 is gripping the bales 24, theflexible strip positioning apparatus 50 is operated in the mannerillustrated schematically in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 to position theflexible strip 38 along sides of the group 22 of bales at a locationbeneath the bale handling apparatus 34. The connector apparatus 42 isthen operated to interconnect portions of the flexible strip 38 to forma closed loop which extends around the group 22 of bales. The closedloop, formed by the flexible strip 38, retards movement of the bales 24relative to each other after the bale handling apparatus 34 has beendisconnected from the group 22 of bales. This results in the bales 24being maintained in the group 22 by the closed loop after the balehandling apparatus 34 has been disconnected from the bales.

To position the flexible strip 38 along the left (as viewed in FIG. 4)side of the group 22 of bales while the bale handling apparatus 34 isdisposed on the group of bales, the flexible strip positioning apparatus50 is operated from the condition illustrated in FIG. 5 to the conditionillustrated in FIG. 6. As the flexible strip positioning apparatus 50 isoperated from the condition illustrated in FIG. 5 to the conditionillustrated in FIG. 6, the support arm 30 is pivoted in a clockwisedirection relative to the bale handling apparatus 34. This clockwise (asviewed in FIGS. 5 and 6) pivotal movement of the arm 30 moves the needleor positioning member 36 along an arcuate path toward the left frontcorner portion 64 of the bale handling apparatus 34. The path alongwhich the needle or positioning member 36 moves is disposed at a lowerlevel than the bale handling apparatus 34.

As this occurs, the needle or positioning member 36 approaches the hook76 and slack stored in the slack take-up device 72 is released. Thereleased slack is pulled from the slack take-up device 72 by thepositioning member 36 and positioned along the side of the group 22 ofbales by the positioning member 36. As the positioning member 36 ismoved past the left front corner portion 64 of the bale handlingapparatus 34, the support arm 30 moves under the hook 76 and pulls theflexible strip 38 off of the hook. This results in the flexible strip 38being disengaged from the slack take-up device 72.

Once the pivotal movement of the support arm 30 has moved thepositioning member 36 past the left front corner portion 64 (FIG. 6),the positioning member pulls the flexible strip 38 along the right (asviewed in FIG. 6) side of the group 22 of bales. At this time, all ofthe flexible strip 38 which was previously held by the slack take-updevice 72 will have been removed from the slack take-up device. As thesupport arm 30 continues to pivot in a clockwise direction (as viewed inFIG. 6) away from the left front corner portion 64, a portion of theflexible strip 38 will be pulled from the source 46 and moved along thearm 30 to the positioning member 36. As the support arm 30 pivots, theflexible strip 38 is pulled through the opening in the end portion ofthe needle or positioning member 36.

A portion of the flexible strip is positioned along the right (as viewedin FIG. 6) side of the group 22 of bales as the needle or positioningmember 36 moves away from the left front corner portion 64 (FIG. 6)toward the right front corner portion 62. As this occurs, the arm 30pivots toward the position shown schematically in FIG. 7. A length ofthe flexible strip 38 is placed along the right (as viewed in FIGS. 6and 7) side of the group 22 of bales by the positioning member 36. Thelength of the flexible strip 38 positioned along the right side of thegroup 22 of bales is disposed midway between upper and lower sides ofthe group of bales.

Continued pivotal movement of the support arm 30 in a clockwisedirection (as viewed in FIGS. 7 and 8) moves the needle or positioningmember 36 away from the right front corner portion 62 (FIG. 7) towardthe right rear corner portion 60. This movement of the positioningmember 36 is effective to position a length of the flexible strip 38along a side of the group 22 of bales at a location below, that iscloser to the ground, than the bale handling apparatus 34.

As the support arm 30 approaches the position illustrated in FIG. 8, theneedle or positioning member 36 moves into the connector apparatus 42.After the needle or positioning member 36 has entered the connectorapparatus 42, the flexible strip 38 is severed and the resulting freeend of the flexible strip, that is the end extending from thepositioning member 36, is gripped by the connector apparatus 42. Inaddition, the connector apparatus 42 interconnects portions of theflexible strip 38 to form a continuous loop which extends around thegroup 22 of bales.

The connector apparatus 42 may interconnect portions of the flexiblestrip 38 to form the continuous loop before cutting the flexible strip38. The connector apparatus 42 would then cut the flexible strip to formthe end which is gripped by the connector apparatus 42 and is separatefrom the continuous loop. Alternatively, the connector apparatus 42 maycut the flexible strip 38 and grip the resulting ends of the flexiblestrip. The connector apparatus 42 would then interconnect the free endsto the portion of the flexible strip 38 which extends around the group22 of bales to form the continuous loop. The free end of the portion ofthe flexible strip 38 extending from the connector apparatus 42 towardthe source 46 would be gripped by the connector apparatus.

The bale handling apparatus 34 is positioned on the group 22 of bales bya vehicle, such as a tractor 100 (FIG. 9). The tractor 100 has a boom102 which engages connectors 104 and 106 extending from the frame 56 ofthe bale handling apparatus 34. The tractor 100 and boom 102 areutilized to support the bale handling apparatus 34 above the field. Thetractor 100 is operated to position the bale handling apparatus 34 onthe group 22 of bales (FIG. 4) while the group of bales is in the field.The boom 102 is connected to and steadies the bale handling apparatus 34during operation of the flexible strip positioning apparatus 50 to forma continuous loop around the group 22 of bales.

After a continuous loop of the flexible strip 38 has been positionedaround the group of bales in the manner previously explained, the boom102 is raised to lift the bale handling apparatus 34 and group 22 ofbales in a known manner. After the group of bales has been raised abovethe ground, the tractor 100 is operated to move the group of bales to asuitable storage location, such as a barn. After the group 22 of baleshas been lowered to a desired position at the storage location, the balehandling apparatus 34 is operated to pivot the hooks 92 out ofengagement with the bales 24 in the group 22 of bales.

Once the hooks 92 have been disengaged from the bales 24 in the group 22of bales, the boom 102 is raised to raise the frame 56 of the balehandling apparatus upward off of the upper surface of the group 22 ofbales. The tractor 100 is then moved away from the group of bales, thatis, towards the left (as viewed in FIG. 9). After the tractor 100 andbale handling apparatus 34 have moved away from the group 22 of bales, acontinuous loop 110 of the flexible strip 38 extends around and holdsthe group of bales, in the manner illustrated schematically in FIG. 10.The continuous loop 110 formed by the flexible strip holds the bales 24against movement relative to each other to maintain bales 24 in a groupat the storage location.

Bale Handling Apparatus

The bale handling apparatus 34 is operable to grip the bales 24 in agroup 22 (FIG. 3) of bales when the bale handling apparatus 34 isdisposed on top of the group 22 of bales in the manner illustratedschematically in FIG. 4. The bale handling apparatus 34 is utilized togrip the group 22 of bales in a field, hold the group 22 of bales whilethe continuous loop 110 (FIG. 10) of the flexible strip 38 is positionedaround the group of bales, and to move the group of bales to a suitablestorage location. The bale handling apparatus may be utilized with thetractor 100 or other suitable vehicle.

Since the group 22 of bales has a rectangular configuration, the balehandling apparatus 34 has a corresponding rectangular configuration.However, it should be understood that the group 22 of bales may have anydesired configuration. Of course, the bale handling apparatus 34 mayhave a configuration which is at least somewhat similar to theconfiguration of the group 22 of bales 24. However, the bale handlingapparatus 34 may have a configuration which is different than theconfiguration of the group 22 of bales 24.

The bale handling apparatus 34 may have any one of many knownconstructions, such as the construction disclosed in one or more of thefollowing U.S. Pat. Nos.: 2,734,646; 3,420,564; 3,876,093; 3,944,274;and 4,069,926. The specific bale handling apparatus 34 illustrated inFIGS. 1-9 may be referred to as a “grabber” and is commerciallyavailable from Kuhns Manufacturing having a place of business at 4210Kinnsman Road, N.W., North Bloomfield, Ohio 44450. Of course, otherknown types of bale handling apparatus may be utilized if desired. Forexample, a clamp type bale handling apparatus which engages oppositesides of a group of bales may be utilized.

In the foregoing description, the group 22 of bales 24 have beendisposed in a field and rest on the ground while the continuous loop 110(FIG. 10) is formed around the group of bales. It is contemplated thatthe group of bales could be lifted off of the ground and the flexiblestrip positioning apparatus 50 utilized to form the continuous loop 110while the group 22 of bales is supported above the ground by the balehandling apparatus 34. Rather than forming a continuous loop 110 arounda group 22 of bales while the group of bales is in a field, thecontinuous loop 110 may be formed around a group of bales after thegroup of bales have been moved from a field.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 9, the tractor100 is utilized to move the bale handling apparatus 34 and group 22 ofbales. However, it is contemplated that a telescopic handler may beutilized to move the bale handling apparatus 34 and group 22 of bales.For example, a “Bobcat Versahandler” (trademark) may be utilized to movethe bale handling apparatus 34 and group 22 of bales.

The bale handling apparatus 34 grips the group 22 of bales while thecontinuous loop 110 of the flexible strip 38 is formed around the groupof bales. As was previously mentioned, the group 22 of bales may beresting on a field or supported by a bale handling apparatus 34 above afield or other surface. The bale handling apparatus 34 provides a basefor the flexible strip positioning apparatus 50 which forms thecontinuous loop 110 around the group of bales.

Flexible Strip

Positioning Apparatus

The flexible strip positioning apparatus 50 is disposed on the balehandling apparatus 34 and is operable to position lengths of theflexible strip 38 along sides of the group 22 of bales. In theembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, a first length ofthe flexible strip is positioned adjacent to the rear or end section 54of the bale handling apparatus 34 while the bale handling apparatus isspaced from the group 22 of bales (FIGS. 1 and 3). After the firstlength of the flexible strip 38 has been positioned adjacent to the rearend section 54 of the bale handling apparatus 34, the bale handlingapparatus is moved into engagement with the group 22 of bales (FIG. 4).

The flexible strip positioning apparatus 50 is then operated to positionlengths of the flexible strip 38 along three more sides of therectangular group 22 of bales. Of course, if the group 22 of bales had adifferent configuration with either a greater or lesser number of sides,the flexible strip positioning apparatus would be operated to positionlengths of the flexible strip along either a greater or lesser number ofsides of the group of bales 24.

The flexible strip positioning apparatus 50 includes the support memberor arm 30 which, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, ispivotally mounted on the bale handling apparatus 34. To provide forpivotal mounting of the arm 30, a support structure 120 (FIG. 2) isprovided at a central portion of the bale handling apparatus 34. Thesupport member or arm 30 is pivotal about an axis which extendsperpendicular to an upper side of a group 22 of bales when the balehandling apparatus 34 is disposed on the group of bales in the mannerillustrated schematically in FIG. 4. Assuming that the group 22 of balesis disposed on a level support surface, the support member or arm 30would be pivotal about a vertical axis which extends through a centralportion of the group 22 of bales.

A reversible hydraulic motor 124 (FIG. 2) is mounted on the supportstructure 120 and is connected with an end portion of the support memberor arm 30. The motor 124 is operable to rotate the arm 30 in either aclockwise or counterclockwise direction about a vertical (as viewed inFIG. 2) axis. Suitable valving and hydraulic lines (not shown) areassociated with the motor 124 to effect operation of the motor to pivotthe arm 30 in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

A support section 130 (FIG. 2) extends downward from the arm 30 andsupports the needle or positioning member 36. The support section 130has a downward extent which is sufficient to position the positioningmember or needle 36 below the bale handling apparatus 32. The length ordownward extent of the support section 130 is sufficient to have thecontinuous loop 110 disposed approximately midway between upper andlower sides of the bales 22.

In addition to the positioning member or needle 36, a guide member 134(FIG. 2) is mounted on the support section 130. The guide member 134 isresiliently deflectable under the influence of tension in the flexiblestrip 138 and positions the flexible strip relative to the positioningmember 36 and support section 130. Suitable guide rings 140 are providedon the arm 30 to guide movement of the flexible strip along the arm.Guide rings 140 are also provided on the support section 130 and guidemember 134 to guide movement of the flexible strip 38.

In addition, upstanding pins or posts 142 (FIG. 2) are provided adjacentto and forward of the hydraulic motor 124. The upstanding posts 142engage flexible strip 38 and hold it away from the motor 124. Theflexible strip 38 extends from the source 46 (FIG. 1), past the posts142, to a guide ring 140 which is adjacent to the pivotally mounted,radially inner, end portion of the support member or arm 30 (FIG. 2).The length of the flexible strip 38 extending along the arm 30 is spacedfrom the arm by the guide rings 140.

As the arm 30 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction from theposition shown in FIG. 1 toward the position shown in FIG. 3, the armmoves toward the hook 76 in the slack take-up device 72. As the arm 30moves through the position illustrated in FIG. 3, the flexible strip 38approaches the hook 76 (FIG. 2). The hook 76 extends below the uppersurface of the arm 30. Therefore, continued rotation of the arm 30 movesthe arm into engagement with the hook 76.

Continued rotation of the arm 30 presses the arm against a sloping sideportion of the hook 76. The hook 76 and arm 74 of the slack take-updevice 72 are pivoted upward by engagement of the arm 30 with a slopingside or cam portion of the hook 76. As this occurs, resilient springs148, on which the arm 74 of the slack take-up device is mounted, aredeflected. This deflection of the springs 148 allows the slack take-uparm 74 to move upward (as viewed in FIG. 2) under the influence of forceapplied against the hook 76 by the support member or arm 30 of theflexible strip positioning apparatus 50. This ensures that the hook 76will engage the flexible strip 38 as the flexible strip and supportmember or arm 30 continue to move in a counterclockwise direction aboutthe radially inner end portion of the arm 30.

Although the slack take-up device 72 is effective to take up slackformed in the flexible strip 38 as the support member or arm 30continues to pivot in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 2)past the arm 74 in the slack take-up device 72, the slack take-up devicemay be eliminated if desired. If this is done, the source 46 of theflexible strip 38 may apply tension to the flexible strip to take-up theslack at the source of the flexible strip. This may be done by applyinga force against a spool or reel around which the flexible strip 38 iswound at the source 46 of the flexible strip. Of course, the slack whichdevelops in the flexible strip 38 may be taken up in a different mannerif desired. For example, a spring loaded array of pulleys may engage theflexible strip 38 to take up slack in the flexible strip.

During pivotal movement of the support arm 30, one end portion of theflexible strip 38 is gripped by the connector apparatus 42. As thepositioning member 36 is moved away from the source 46 of the flexiblestrip 38 by pivotal movement of the support arm 30, the flexible stripis pulled from the source 46. The flexible strip 38 moves from thesource 46 through the guides 140 (FIG. 2) to the opening in the end ofthe needle or positioning member 36. The flexible strip 38 is pulledthrough the opening in an outer end portion of the needle or positioningmember 36 and is positioned relative to the bale handling apparatus 34and the group 22 of bales 24.

Connector Apparatus

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, theflexible strip 38 is a twine or string. The connector apparatus 42interconnects end portions of the twine or string by forming a knot. Thetwine or string may be composed of two or more smaller strands or yarnstwisted together. Natural fibers may be used to make the twine. Thesenatural fibers may include cotton, sisal, jute, hemp, henequen, and/orcoir. Alternatively, the twine may be formed of synthetic fibers or acombination of natural and synthetic fibers.

The connector apparatus 42 forms a knot in the flexible strip tointerconnect end portions of the flexible strip. The connector apparatus42 has a known construction which is similar to the construction of aGear Driven Knotter which is commercially available from Deere & Company(John Deere) having a place of business at One John Deere Place,Molline, Ill. 61265. Alternatively, the connector apparatus 42 may havea construction similar to the construction disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,400,959; 3,615,112; 3,712,654; 4,234,219; and/or 7,296,828. It shouldbe understood that the twine knotter forming the connector apparatus 42may have any one of many known constructions.

Rather than utilizing a string or twine to form the closed loop 110about the group 22 of bales, it is contemplated that a band or strap maybe provided around the group 22 of bales. This band or strap may beformed of metal or a polymeric material. Assuming that the flexiblestrip 38 is to be formed by a band or strap of polymeric material, it iscontemplated that a thermoplastic band or strap may be utilized.

End portions of the thermoplastic band or strap may be interconnectedwith a welding and cutting mechanism similar to the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,851. Of course, other known mechanisms may be utilizedin the connector apparatus 42 to cut and interconnect end portions of astrip formed by a band or strap of thermoplastic material. Rather thanwelding (bonding) portions of the strap together, as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,632,851, a separate connector may be provided.

It is contemplated that the flexible strip 38 may be formed of manydifferent materials. As was previously mentioned, the flexible strip 38may be a string or twine formed of natural or synthetic materials.Alternatively, the flexible strip 38 may be formed of metal.

For example, the flexible strip may be formed of metal wire. Endportions of the wire may be twisted together to form the continuous loop110. If desired, an apparatus similar to the apparatus disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,870,950 may be used to twist the wire.

If the flexible strip 38 is formed by a metal wire or band, the metalwire or band may have a polymeric sheath or jacket. If a metal wire,strap, and/or band is used to form the continuous loop 110, a mechanicalfastener may be utilized to connect end portions of the flexible stripto form the continuous loop 110.

Embodiment of FIG. 11

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the supportarm 30 of the flexible strip positioning apparatus 50 has been pivotallymounted at a central portion at the bale handing apparatus. In theembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 11, the support arm ofthe flexible strip positioning apparatus is mounted adjacent to aforward or front end portion of the bale handing apparatus. Since theembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 11 is generally similarto the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, similarnumerals will be utilized to designate similar components, the suffixletter “a” being associated with the numerals of FIG. 11 to avoidconfusion.

An apparatus 20 a for use with a group of bales, corresponding to thegroup 22 of bales 24 of FIG. 1, includes a bale handling apparatus 34 a(FIG. 11). The bale handling apparatus 34 a includes a frame 56 a onwhich a plurality of hooks 92 a are pivotally mounted. The handlingapparatus 34 a includes a rear or end section 54 a having connectors 104a and 106 a which are engagable by a suitable vehicle, such as thetractor 100 of FIG. 9.

In accordance with a feature of the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIG. 11, a flexible strip positioning apparatus 50 a isdisposed adjacent to a front end portion 82 a of the bale handlingapparatus 34 a. The flexible strip positioning apparatus includes asupport member or arm 30 a which is pivotally mounted on the balehandling apparatus 34 a. A positioning member or needle 36 a issupported on an outer end portion of the arm 30 a and engages a flexiblestrip 38 a.

A source 46 a of the flexible strip 38 a is disposed on a supportstructure 120 a mounted on a forward portion of the bale handlingapparatus 34 a. A reversible hydraulic motor 124 a is mounted on thesupport structure 120 a. The reversible hydraulic motor 124 a isoperable to pivot the support member or arm 30 a in the flexible strippositioning apparatus 50 a relative to the bale handling apparatus 34 a.

The flexible strip 38 a extends from the source 46 a along the supportmember or arm 30 a. The flexible strip extends down a support section130 a and through an opening in the positioning member or needle 36 a. Afree end of the flexible strip 38 a is held by a connector apparatus 42a.

The flexible strip 38 a may be a twine, string, cord, or rope formed ofa synthetic and/or natural material. The flexible strip 38 a may be aband or strap having a generally rectangular cross sectionalconfiguration as viewed in a plane extending perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the flexible strip. A band or strap forming theflexible strip 38 a may be formed of either metal or a polymericmaterial. The flexible strip 38 a may be formed with a metal core whichis enclosed by a plastic sheath or coating.

The connector apparatus 42 a is effective to cut the flexible strip 38 aand to interconnect end portions of the flexible strip 38 a so as toform a continuous loop, similar to the continuous loop 110 of FIG. 10.The connector apparatus 42 a may interconnect end portions of theflexible strip 38 a by forming a knot interconnecting the two endportions of the flexible strip, by bonding the end portions of theflexible strip to each other, and/or by utilizing a mechanical connectorto interconnect the end portions of the flexible strip.

When the apparatus 20 a is to be utilized to form a continuous loop,corresponding to the continuous loop 110 of FIG. 10, around a group 22of bales, the arm 30 a is moved from a position in which the positioningmember 36 a is disposed in the connector apparatus 42 a to a position inwhich the positioning member 36 a is offset to the opposite side of thebale handling apparatus 34 a. This positions the flexible strip 38 a toextend across the front end portion 82 a of the bale handling apparatus34 a while the bale handling apparatus is spaced from a group 22 ofbales. To accomplish this, the motor 124 a is operated to pivot the arm30 a in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 11).

When the positioning member 36 a has moved adjacent to a left frontcorner portion 64 a of the bale handling apparatus 34 a, operation ofthe motor 124 a and pivotal movement of the arm 30 a is interrupted. Atthis time, the flexible strip 38 a will extend along the front portion82 a of the bale handling apparatus at a location which is offsetdownward (as viewed in FIG. 11) from the bale handling apparatus.

A vehicle, similar to the tractor 100 of FIG. 9, engages the connectors104 a and 106 a. The vehicle is then operated to align the bale handlingapparatus 34 a with a group of bales, similar to the group 22 of balesillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The vehicle is then operated to move thebale handling apparatus 34 a toward the group 22 of bales.

As the bale handling apparatus 34 moves toward the group 22 of bales,the portion of the flexible strip 38 a extending across the frontportion 82 a of the bale handling apparatus 34 a moves into engagementwith the group 22 of bales. At this time, the side section 86 a isdisposed in engagement with one side of the group 22 of bales and theframe 56 a is slightly above the group of bales. Continued movement ofthe bale handling apparatus 34 a to a location above the group 22 ofbales results in lengths of the flexible strip 38 a being positionedalong three of the four sides of the group 22 of bales.

As the bale handling apparatus 341 is moved toward a group 22 of bales24, the portion of the flexible strip 38 a extending across the front orleading end portion of the bale handling apparatus moves into engagementwith the closest side of the group of bales. Continued movement of thebale handling apparatus 34 a toward the group of bales presses theflexible strip 38 a against the closest side of the group of bales andtensions the flexible strip. As this occurs, the flexible strip ispulled from the source 46 a and moves along the positioning arm 30 a tothe opening at the end portion of the positioning member 36 a. Theflexible strip 138 a is pulled into a generally U-shaped configurationby engagement with the group 22 of bales. As this occurs, one leg of theU-shaped portion of the flexible strip 138 a is positioned along theside of the group 22 of bales engaged by the side section 86 a of thebale handling apparatus 34 a. The other leg of the U-shaped portion ofthe flexible strip 138 a is positioned along the opposite side of thegroup 22 of bales.

When the bale handling apparatus has moved to a position over the group22 of bales, the bale handling apparatus 34 a is lowered so that theframe 56 a rests on top of the group 22 of bales. The bale handlingapparatus 34 a is then operated to move the hooks 92 a into engagementwith the bales 24 to securely interconnect the bales 24 and the balehandling apparatus 34 a. At this time, the bale handling apparatus 34 awill be resting on top of the group of bales in the manner illustratedschematically in FIG. 4 for the bale handling apparatus 34.

While the bale handling apparatus 34 a is resting on top of and grippingthe group of bales, the motor 124 a is operated to pivot the arm 30 a ina clockwise direction relative to the bale handling apparatus. Thisresults in movement of the positioning member or needle 36 a from aposition adjacent to the left front corner portion 64 a of the balehandling apparatus 34 a into the connector apparatus 42 a. As thisoccurs, the flexible strip 38 a is tensioned. The connector apparatus 42a then cuts the flexible strip 38 a and interconnects end portions ofthe flexible strip. Assuming that the flexible strip is a string, suchas binder twine, the connector apparatus 42 a then forms a knot in theend portions of the flexible strip 38 a. This forms a continuous loop,similar to the continuous loop 110 of FIG. 10. As was previouslymentioned, the end portions of the flexible strip may be interconnectedin a manner other than by forming a knot.

Although the flexible strip positioning apparatus 50 a has beenillustrated in FIG. 11 as being mounted on the bale handling apparatus34 a at a location adjacent to the front end portion 82 a of the balehandling apparatus, it is contemplated that the flexible strippositioning apparatus could be mounted in a different location on thebale handling apparatus 34 a if desired. For example, the flexible strippositioning apparatus 50 a may be mounted adjacent to the rear endportion 54 a of the bale handling apparatus 34 a.

Conclusion

In view of the foregoing description, it is apparent that the presentinvention provides a new and improved method and apparatus 20 for usewith a group 22 of bales. The group 22 of bales is gripped with a balehandling apparatus 34. A flexible strip 38 is positioned around thegroup 22 of bales. The group 22 of bales is moved while it is gripped bythe bale handling apparatus 34 and while the flexible strip 38 extendsaround the group of bales.

To position the flexible strip 38 around the group 22 of bales, apositioning member 36 may advantageously be moved relative to the balehandling apparatus 34 while the positioning member is in engagement withthe flexible strip 38 and while the bale handling apparatus is inengagement with the group 22 of bales. The flexible strip 38 may beformed into a closed loop 110 which extends around the group of bales byinterconnecting portions of the flexible strip.

The present invention has a plurality of different features. Thesefeatures may be utilized in combination with each other in the mannerdisclosed herein. Alternatively, the features may be used separatelyand/or in combination with features of known devices.

1. A method of handling a plurality of bales, said method comprising thesteps of positioning the bales in a group, moving a bale handlingapparatus into engagement with the group of bales, moving a flexiblestrip into engagement with a plurality of sides of the group of bales bymoving a positioning member relative to the bale handling apparatuswhile the positioning member is disposed in engagement with the flexiblestrip and while the bale handling apparatus is in engagement with thegroup of bales, and forming a closed loop which extends around the groupof bales by interconnecting portions of the flexible strip.
 2. A methodas set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of moving the positioningmember relative to the bale handling apparatus includes pivoting asupport member connected with the positioning member relative to thebale handling apparatus with the support member disposed above the balehandling apparatus.
 3. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidstep of moving the bale handling apparatus into engagement with thegroup of bales includes moving the bale handling apparatus intoengagement with an upper side of the group of bales, said step of movingthe flexible strip into engagement with a plurality of sides of thegroup of bales includes engaging the plurality of sides of the group ofbales with the flexible strip at locations which are disposed downwardfrom the upper side of the group of bales.
 4. A method as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said step of moving a flexible strip into engagementwith a plurality of sides of the group of bales by moving a positioningmember relative to the bale handling apparatus includes removing slackformed in the flexible strip as flexible strip is moved into engagementwith at least one of the sides of the group of bales.
 5. A method as setforth in claim 1 wherein said step of moving a flexible strip intoengagement with a plurality of side of the bales by moving a positioningmember includes moving the positioning member along an arcuate pathwhich extends at least part way around the group of bales.
 6. A methodas set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of forming a closed loopincluding forming a knot in a flexible strip.
 7. A method of handling agroup of bales, said method comprising the steps of positioning a firstlength of a flexible strip along a first side of a bale handlingapparatus while the bale handling apparatus is spaced from the group ofbales, moving the bale handling apparatus into engagement with the groupof bales, said step of moving the bale handling apparatus intoengagement with the group of bales includes positioning the first lengthof the flexible strip along a first side of the group of bales,positioning a second length of the flexible strip along at least asecond side of the group of bales while the bale handling apparatus isdisposed is engagement with the group of bales, and forming at least aportion of the flexible strip into a closed loop which extends aroundthe group of bales, said step of forming the flexible strip into aclosed loop in a performed while the bale handling apparatus is disposedin engagement with the group of bales and includes interconnectingportions of the flexible strip.
 8. A method as set forth in claim 7wherein said step of positioning the first length of the flexible stripalong a first side of the group of bales includes moving a positioningmember which engages the flexible strip in a first direction relative tothe bale handling apparatus, said step of positioning the second lengthof the flexible strip along a second side of the group of bales includesmoving the positioning member in a second direction relative to the balehandling apparatus while the positioning member is in engagement withthe flexible strip, said second direction being opposite to said firstdirection.
 9. A method as set forth in claim 8 wherein said step ofmoving the positioning member in the first direction includes pivoting asupport arm connected with the positioning member in the first directionrelative to the bale handling apparatus, said step of moving thepositioning member in the second direction includes pivoting the supportarm in the second direction.
 10. A method as set forth in claim 9wherein said step of pivoting the support arm in the first directionincludes forming slack in the flexible strip and taking up the slackformed in the flexible strip.
 11. A method as set forth in claim 10wherein said step of taking up the slack formed in the flexible stripincludes engaging the flexible strip with a hook.
 12. A method as setforth in claim 9 wherein said step of pivoting the support arm in thefirst direction relative to the bale handling apparatus includespivoting the support arm about an axis which extends through a centralportion of the bale handling apparatus with the support arm disposedabove the bale handling apparatus.
 13. A method as set forth in claim 9wherein said step pivoting the support arm in the first directionrelative to the bale handling apparatus includes moving the positioningmember from a location disposed adjacent to a first end of a first edgeportion of the bale handling apparatus to a position adjacent to asecond end of the first edge portion of the bale handling apparatusalong a path which extends past a second edge portion of the balehandling apparatus, said step of moving the bale handling apparatus intoengagement with the group of bales being performed with the second edgeportion of the bale handling apparatus leading and the first edgeportion of the bale handling apparatus trailing.
 14. A method as setforth in claim 7 wherein said step of moving the bale handling apparatusinto engagement with the group of bales includes positioning the balehandling apparatus on top of the group of bales and engaging the groupof bales with a plurality of hooks which form part of the bale handlingapparatus.
 15. A method as set forth in claim 7 further including thesteps of gripping the group of bales with the bale handling apparatusand moving the group of bales while the group of bales is gripped by thebale handling apparatus and while the closed loop formed by the flexiblestrip extends around the group of bales.
 16. A method as set forth inclaim 7 wherein said step of positioning the first length of theflexible strip along the first side of the group of bales includesengaging the group of bales with the first length of the flexible strip.17. A method as set forth in claim 7 wherein said step of forming theflexible strip into a closed loop includes forming a knot in theflexible strip.
 18. A method of handling a generally rectangular groupof bales, said method comprising the steps of providing a bale handlingapparatus having a generally rectangular configuration, said balehandling apparatus having a first edge portion which extends betweenfirst and second corner portions of the bale handling apparatus and asecond edge portion which is parallel to said first edge portion andextends between third and fourth corner portions of the bale handlingapparatus, moving a positioning member which engages a flexible strip ina first direction relative to the bale handling apparatus while the balehandling apparatus is spaced from the group of bales, said step ofmoving the positioning member relative to the bale handling apparatusincludes moving the positioning member in the first direction from aposition adjacent to the first corner portion of the bale handlingapparatus to a position adjacent to the second corner portion of thebale handling apparatus and positioning a first length of the flexiblestrip to extend along the first edge portion of the bale handlingapparatus, thereafter, moving the bale handling apparatus toward thegroup of bales with the second edge portion of the bale handlingapparatus leading and the first edge portion of the bale handlingapparatus trailing, positioning the bale handling apparatus on top ofthe group of bales with the first length of the flexible strip extendingalong a first side of the group of bales, moving the positioning memberin a second direction relative to the bale handling apparatus while thebale handling apparatus is on top of the group of bales and while thepositioning member is in engagement with the flexible strip, said stepof moving the positioning in the second direction relative to the balehandling apparatus includes moving the positioning member from aposition adjacent to the second corner portion of the bale handlingapparatus to a position adjacent to the first corner portion of the balehandling apparatus, said step of moving the positioning member from theposition adjacent to the second corner portion of the bale handlingapparatus to the position adjacent to the first corner portion of thebale handling apparatus includes positioning a second length of theflexible strip along a second side of the group of bales, positioning athird length of the flexible strip along a third side of the group ofbales, and positioning a fourth length of the flexible strip along afourth side of the group of bales, and, thereafter, connecting thefourth length of the flexible strip with the first length of theflexible strip to form a closed loop which extends around the group ofbales.
 19. A method as set forth in claim 18 wherein said step of movingthe positioning member in the first direction relative to the balehandling apparatus includes moving the positioning member in the firstdirection from the position adjacent to the first corner portion of thebale handling apparatus along a path which extends from the locationadjacent to the first corner portion of the bale handling apparatus pastthe third and fourth corner portions of the bale handling apparatus tothe position adjacent to the second corner portion of the bale handlingapparatus, said step of moving the positioning member in the seconddirection relative to the bale handling apparatus includes moving thepositioning member in the second direction from the position adjacent tothe second corner portion of the bale handing apparatus along a pathwhich extends from the location adjacent to the second corner portion ofthe bale handling apparatus past the fourth and third corner portions ofthe bale handling apparatus to the position adjacent to the first cornerportion of the bale handling apparatus, said step of connecting thefourth length of the flexible strip with the first length of theflexible strip to form a loop being performed with the positioningmember adjacent to the first corner portion of the bale handlingapparatus.
 20. A method as set forth in claim 18 wherein said step ofmoving the positioning member in the first direction relative to thebale handling apparatus includes pivoting an arm connected with thepositioning member in the first direction, said step of moving thepositioning member in the second direction relative to the bale handlingapparatus includes pivoting the arm connected with the positioningmember in the second direction.
 21. A method as set forth in claim 18wherein said step of moving the positioning member in the firstdirection relative to the bale handling apparatus includes forming slackin the flexible strip, said method further includes taking up slackformed in the flexible strip as the positioning member moves in thefirst direction relative to the bale handling apparatus.
 22. A method asset forth in claim 18 wherein said step of moving the positioning memberin the first direction is performed with the flexible strip disposed inengagement with the positioning member.
 23. A method as set forth inclaim 18 further including the steps of gripping the group of bales withthe bale handling apparatus and moving the group of bales while thegroup of bales is gripped by the bale handling apparatus and while theclosed loop extends around the group of bales.
 24. A method as set forthin claim 18 wherein said step of moving the bale handling apparatustoward the group of bales and positioning the bale handling apparatus ontop of the group of bales includes engaging the first side of the groupof bales with the first length of the flexible strip.
 25. A method asset forth in claim 18 wherein said step of connecting the fourth lengthof the flexible strip with the first length of the flexible strip toform a closed loop includes forming a knot interconnecting the first andfourth lengths of the flexible strip.
 26. A method as set forth in claim18 wherein said steps of moving the positioning member in a firstdirection and moving the positioning member in a second directioninclude moving the positioning member in opposite directions along anarcuate path having a center of curvature disposed on an axis whichextends through the bale handling apparatus.
 27. A method as set forthin claim 18 further including the step of moving a plurality of hooks inthe bale handling apparatus into engagement with bales in the group ofbales while the bale handling apparatus is disposed on top of the groupof bales.
 28. An apparatus for use in handling a group of bales, saidapparatus comprising a frame, a plurality of hooks which are connectedwith said frame and are movable into engagement with the group of bales,and a flexible strip positioning apparatus disposed on the frame andoperable to position a portion of a flexible strip along at least oneside of the group of bales while said hooks are disposed in engagementwith the group of bales.
 29. An apparatus as set forth in claim 28wherein said flexible strip positioning apparatus includes an arm whichis pivotal about an axis which extends through the group of bales tomove a portion of the flexible strip relative to the group of bales. 30.An apparatus as set forth in claim 29 further including a motor which isconnected with said frame and is operable to pivot said arm relative tosaid frame.
 31. An apparatus as set forth in claim 30 further includinga connector assembly which is connected with said frame and is operableto cut said flexible strip and to interconnect portions of said flexiblestrip to form a continuous loop which extends around the group of bales.32. An apparatus as set forth in claim 29 further including a slacktake-up device connected with said frame, said slack take-up deviceincluding a member which is engagable with the flexible strip to take-upslack formed in the flexible strip during pivotal movement of said armrelative to said frame.
 33. An apparatus as set forth in claim 32wherein said slack take-up device includes an arm having a first endportion which is connected with said frame by a spring, said memberbeing mounted on a second end portion of said arm of said slack take-updevice.
 34. An apparatus for use in handling a group of bales, saidapparatus comprising a frame, gripper means connected with said framefor gripping the group of bales, supply means connected with said framefor providing a flexible strip, positioning means connected with saidframe for positioning a portion of said flexible strip relative to thegroup of bales, and connector means connected with said frame forinterconnecting end portions of the flexible strip to form a continuousloop which extends around the group of bales.
 35. An apparatus as setforth in claim 34 further including slack take-up means connected withsaid frame for taking-up slack formed in the flexible strip duringpositioning of a portion of the flexible strip relative to the group ofbales.
 36. An apparatus for use in handling a group of bales, saidapparatus comprising a frame which is engageable with the group ofbales, positioning apparatus disposed on said frame and engaging aflexible strip, said positioning apparatus includes an arm which isconnected with and is movable relative to said frame while said frame isin engagement with the group of bales, and a motor which is connectedwith said arm and with said frame, said motor being operable to movesaid arm relative to said frame and the group of bales while said frameis in engagement with the group of bales, said positioning apparatusbeing operable to position the flexible strip in engagement with aplurality of sides of the group of bales during movement of said armrelative to said frame while said frame is in engagement with the groupof bales.
 37. An apparatus as set forth in claim 36 further including aplurality of hooks which are connected with said frame and are movablerelative to said frame while said frame is in engagement with the groupof bales, said hooks being movable relative to said frame from adisengaged condition to an engaged condition while said frame is inengagement with the group of bales, each of said hooks of said pluralityof hooks extends into the group of bales when said hooks are in theengaged condition.
 38. An apparatus as set forth in claim 37 furtherincluding a plurality of rocker shafts rotatably mounted on said frameand connected with said hooks, each of said rocker shafts beingconnected with a plurality of said hooks, a drive assembly mounted onsaid frame and connected with said rocker shafts, said drive assemblybeing operable to rotate said rocker shafts and effect movement of saidhooks between the engaged and disengaged conditions.
 39. An apparatus asset forth in claim 37 wherein said motor is operable to pivot said armrelative to said frame while said hooks are in the engaged condition,said positioning apparatus includes a support section which extendsdownward from an end portion of said arm and a positioning member whichis connected with a lower end portion of said support section andengages the flexible strip to position a portion of the flexible striprelative to the group of bales, said positioning member being movablealong the plurality of sides of the group of bales during pivotalmovement of said arm relative to said frame with said hooks in theengaged condition.
 40. An apparatus as set forth in claim 39 whereinsaid motor is operable to pivot said arm along an arcuate path which isdisposed above said frame, said frame being disposed between said armand the group of bales during pivotal movement of said arm.
 41. Anapparatus as set forth in claim 39 wherein said frame includes a mainportion which engages an upper side of the group of bales, a firstsection which extends downward from said main portion of said frame andengages a first side of the group of bales, said first side of the groupof bales extends transversely to said upper side of the group of bales,and a second section which extends downward from said main portion ofsaid frame and engages a second side of the group of bales, said secondside of the group of bales extends transversely to said upper side ofthe group of bales, said second section of said frame extendstransversely to said first section of said frame, said positioningmember is at least partially disposed at a level below said secondsection of said frame to enable said positioning member to position aportion of the flexible strip in engagement with the second side of thegroup of bales at a level below said second section of said frame. 42.An apparatus as set forth in claim 36 further including a gripperassembly which is mounted on said frame and is operable to grip thegroup of bales while said frame is in engagement with the group of balesto retain said frame against movement relative to the group of bales.43. An apparatus as set forth in claim 42 wherein said frame includes amain portion which engages an upper side of the group of bales, a firstsection which extends downward from said main portion of said frame andengages a first side of the group of bales, said first side of the groupof bales extends transversely to said upper side of the group of bales,and a second section which extends downward from said main portion ofsaid frame and engages a second side of the group of bales, said secondside of the group of bales extends transversely to said upper side ofthe group of bales, said second section of said frame extendstransversely to said first section of said frame, said positioningapparatus being operable to position a portion of the flexible strip inengagement with the second side of the group of bales at a level belowsaid second section of said frame during movement of said arm relativeto said frame.
 44. An apparatus as set forth in claim 42 wherein saidgripper assembly includes a plurality of members which penetrate a sideof the group of bales to grip the group of bales.
 45. An apparatus asset forth in claim 42 wherein said gripper assembly includes a pluralityof hooks which are connected with said frame and are movable relative tosaid frame while said frame is in engagement with the group of bales.46. An apparatus as set forth in claim 36 further including a connectorassembly which is connected with said frame and is operable tointerconnect portions of the flexible strip while the flexible strip isin engagement with the plurality of sides of the group of bales andwhile said frame is in engagement with the group of bales to form aclosed loop which extends around the group of bales at a locationbetween upper and lower sides of the group of bales.
 47. An apparatus asset forth in claim 36 wherein said positioning apparatus includes apositioning member which is connected with said arm and is movable withsaid arm relative to said frame, said positioning member engages aportion of the flexible strip and positions the engaged portion of theflexible strip at a level which is lower than an upper side of the groupof bales.
 48. An apparatus as set forth in claim 36 further including aslack take up device which is connected with said frame and takes upslack formed in the flexible strip as said arm is moved relative to saidframe by operation of said motor.
 49. An apparatus as set forth in claim48 wherein said slack take up device includes a slack take up memberwhich is connected with said frame and a hook which is connected with anend portion said slack take up member at a location offset to one sideof said frame, said hook engages a portion of the flexible strip asmovement of said arm and positioning member relative to said frame movesthe flexible strip into engagement with said hook.